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Kansas football: 5 predictions for the Jayhawks showdown vs. UCF Knights

By Joshua Schulman

Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Trill Carter (98) reaches for Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Trill Carter (98) reaches for Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: RJ Harvey #22 of the UCF Knights reacts after scoring the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: RJ Harvey #22 of the UCF Knights reacts after scoring the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

5. These teams will combine for over 500+ yards on the ground

Both teams have high-tempo offenses and love to pound the ground. I wouldn’t expect anything to change this week. UCF leads the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (255.2), and Kansas slots just two spots behind them at third (199.0). Although KU’s rushing defense has been much better this year, UCF ranks just 12th in the conference. All those components spell out A TON of rushing yards.

The tailback tandem of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. is one of the best in the nation. They are both averaging 6.8 yards per carry, tied for third-best in the league. Meanwhile, UCF boasts RJ Harvey and Johnny Richardson, who are close to combining for the century mark this season.

Quarterback runs could also make a difference in this bout. John Rhys Plumlee is one of the best dual-threat signal callers in the nation, and he collected 163 yards rushing before going down to injury. Whoever wins this game will likely do it through their rushing attack.

dark. Next. 3 causes for concern, 3 reasons for optimism for KU

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